Research & reports

Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.

3 results

• Potential for Sustainable Urban and Peri-Urban Agricultural Practices in Nairobi County

  2021

  Mary Njoki Mwaura, Sabina Mukoya-Wangia, Japheth Ododa Origa, O.L.E. Mbatia, Evans Chimoita · Journal of Agricultural Extension · Kenya

  A study of 149 respondents in Nairobi County examined urban and peri-urban agricultural practices, finding composting and open field farming popular but not the most profitable. More profitable practices like cattle rearing and mushroom farming were unpopular due to expensive inputs and specialized skills. The study indicates that popular practices are less profitable, highlighting a need for transformation towards controlled environment agriculture with policy support.

  Economic viabilityCompostOrganic cycleEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureDigital agriculture
  Read source →DOI: 10.4314/jae.v25i1.4

• Soil Properties and Fertility Management within Ruiru Peri-Urban Area in Kiambu County, Kenya

  2020

  F. Waswa, M. Mwamburi, I. I. C. Wakindiki, Roseline Chemutai · Journal of applied science and environmental management · Kenya

  This study focused on soil physicochemical properties and fertility management in Ruiru Sub County, a peri-urban area in Kiambu County, Kenya. Soil samples from ten small contact farms (~0.1 ha) were analyzed, revealing that most farmers were tenants growing leafy vegetables, maintaining soil fertility with organic manures, and performing tillage by hand. These practices signal limitations imposed by small farm size and lack of land ownership, with soil fertility primarily limited by the interaction of soil pH, K, and Ca.

  Economic viabilityOrganic cyclePeri-urban agricultureEconomics
  Read source →DOI: 10.4314/jasem.v24i5.17

• Vegetable production and nematodes infestation: Impacts on small-scale farming communities of South Africa

  2020

  Oso Adeola Abiola · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · South Africa

  This review discusses vegetable production in South Africa, focusing on the impacts of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne species) on small-scale farming communities. The review highlights that these nematodes are a primary pest, causing delayed crop maturity, reduced yields, poor quality produce, and escalating production costs. This leads to substantial income losses for farmers and the abandonment of community gardens, intensifying challenges for vegetable production and food security.

  Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycle
  Read source →DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.4317157